Expectations Of Journalists Not Met, Delta NUJ Tells Oborevwori, As Governor Marks 2nd Anniversary

By Daniel Dafe

The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has acknowledged and appreciated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the 100% increase in stipends to some journalists across the state, saying “this gesture signals recognition of the media’s vital role in promoting democracy and development.”

This was contained in a statement on Thursday signed by Comrade Churchill Oyowe, Chairman and Comrade Victor Sorokwu, Secretary, as Governor Oborevwori marked his 2nd anniversary.

The union however said “this gesture has not assuaged expectations of journalists in the state,” while calling “for a greater responsiveness in the area of media engagement and public accountability.”

Delta NUJ added: “Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) mandates the Press to hold public officers accountable to the people.

“In a functional democracy, effective governance cannot thrive without deliberate and transparent communication with the media. Unfortunately, under the current administration, media engagement has been largely selective, inconsistent, and insufficiently structured.”

According to the statement, while Governor Oborevwori has “received awards and recognitions from some media organisations, such accolades, though notable, cannot replace institutionalised, statewide media dialogue and open access of the State Chief Executive to local journalists, covering the day to day activities of government.”

The union recalled that “past administrations, especially under Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, demonstrated strong media relations by institutionalising quarterly press briefings and media parley sessions that created platforms for open, direct interaction between journalists, the governor and government officials.”

Adding that “while Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa made modest efforts in this regard, his administration lacked the consistency and broader inclusion needed to sustain such engagement.”

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The union also hinted that this time last year, they “felicitated the present administration in a national newspaper advertorial as an extension of Union’s goodwill,” saying that “one year after, we cannot see any reciprocation in form of engagement with the media.”

The statement said further: “We are concerned that the current administration has allowed this tradition to lapse, thereby widening the gap between the government and the organised media. If left unaddressed, this could have adverse consequences for public trust and how the administration is ultimately assessed in the annals of history.

“Let it be made clear: this intervention is not driven by animosity or self-interest, but by a genuine desire to see the government succeed in deepening democratic ideals. It is an objective and professional reflection of our constitutional responsibility as the Fourth Estate in Government.

“The good news is that it is not too late. The Governor has both the time and the opportunity to recalibrate his media engagement strategy. We urge His Excellency to embrace a more transparent, inclusive, and constitutionally aligned approach, anchored on regular, state-wide press interactions via live broadcasts, radio, television, and physical briefings involving journalists across all media platforms.

“As a Council, our mission is not to confront, but to constructively chart a course that advances both governance and journalism in Delta State. We are ready to partner with the government in building a vibrant culture of openness, accountability, and mutual respect between the state and the media.

Furthermore, Delta NUJ said the union has carefully reviewed the trajectory of the state under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori over the past two years, noting that “the milestones achieved within this period are well-documented and reflect commendable progress across several critical sectors.”

“From the implementation of the new minimum wage, regular payment of workers’ salaries, to pensioners to women and youth empowerment initiatives; infrastructure projects – roads, drains, bridges, and flyovers – as well as sustained peace-building efforts; the administration has demonstrated capacity and commitment to governance.

“For these, the Council commends the Governor for acceding to the expectations of many and proving opponents wrong, who might have underestimated his ability to deliver on his administration’s “MORE” Agenda,” the statement concluded.